2015 f-150
11-23-2012, 11:57 PM
#61
Bringing this thread back up.
I think if Ford wanted to innovate and make their truck lighter, why not try the 4WD system? Instead of having a separate driveshaft and t-case that's much heavier, why not go with the design of some newer AWD vehicles and fit a small gearbox powered by the crank at the front like an Audi system? And instead of it being AWD it could be selectable passive 4WD like the current system, but also have an AWD setting. Then you get ideal power at the front and back. The rear would be powered by a driveshaft as usual, so you can keep the live axle rear end. It's lighter, probably cheaper to build and probably would bring the price of a 4X4 truck down significantly. I dunno, it's just my theory. Any engineers that can shed some light on it?
I think if Ford wanted to innovate and make their truck lighter, why not try the 4WD system? Instead of having a separate driveshaft and t-case that's much heavier, why not go with the design of some newer AWD vehicles and fit a small gearbox powered by the crank at the front like an Audi system? And instead of it being AWD it could be selectable passive 4WD like the current system, but also have an AWD setting. Then you get ideal power at the front and back. The rear would be powered by a driveshaft as usual, so you can keep the live axle rear end. It's lighter, probably cheaper to build and probably would bring the price of a 4X4 truck down significantly. I dunno, it's just my theory. Any engineers that can shed some light on it?
On another note, I'd rather see an aluminum frame than body panels...especially for repair purposes...
Last edited by ClaySlayer; 11-24-2012 at 12:04 AM.
11-23-2012, 11:59 PM
#62
I wouldn't think it would equal more payload because they'll have to soften up the spring rates otherwise the truck will ride stiffer with less weight...which car magazines and mall crawlers would hate.
11-24-2012, 12:50 AM
#63
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They could change a lot of things to make the ride the same while keeping the same effective spring rates and load capacity. For instance, you could keep the same spring rate and tune it with less initial compression, then tune your shocks to have a lower damping rate for that 1st 1/4 inch of bump and jounce. There's a lot of ways to skin that cat.
11-24-2012, 01:10 AM
#64
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Bringing this thread back up.
I think if Ford wanted to innovate and make their truck lighter, why not try the 4WD system? Instead of having a separate driveshaft and t-case that's much heavier, why not go with the design of some newer AWD vehicles and fit a small gearbox powered by the crank at the front like an Audi system? And instead of it being AWD it could be selectable passive 4WD like the current system, but also have an AWD setting. Then you get ideal power at the front and back. The rear would be powered by a driveshaft as usual, so you can keep the live axle rear end. It's lighter, probably cheaper to build and probably would bring the price of a 4X4 truck down significantly. I dunno, it's just my theory. Any engineers that can shed some light on it?
I think if Ford wanted to innovate and make their truck lighter, why not try the 4WD system? Instead of having a separate driveshaft and t-case that's much heavier, why not go with the design of some newer AWD vehicles and fit a small gearbox powered by the crank at the front like an Audi system? And instead of it being AWD it could be selectable passive 4WD like the current system, but also have an AWD setting. Then you get ideal power at the front and back. The rear would be powered by a driveshaft as usual, so you can keep the live axle rear end. It's lighter, probably cheaper to build and probably would bring the price of a 4X4 truck down significantly. I dunno, it's just my theory. Any engineers that can shed some light on it?
11-24-2012, 09:57 AM
#65
Senior Member
Audi does not have a system with a small gearbox at the front, the only manufacturer to do that so far is Ferrari. Audi's have a center differential that sends power to the front and to the rear. It's more expensive than a typical 4WD system and hurts gas mileage more, because it's always engaged. I would not buy an AWD truck.
11-24-2012, 04:23 PM
#67
Former Powerstroker
Originally Posted by justjimmy
Wish I had 4WD.